Food, Antics and Fireball......that's where I left off.....
Food......oh this is easy.....great, great, great food.
Two out of three nights were started with beautiful blessings. Both Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Paul said blessings that left most in tears. We were fortunate to have Uncle Paul's recorded.....I wish we had recorded Aunt Dorothy's too......
Italian Night.......lots and lots and lots of pasta, OK....maybe too much PASTA. I just couldn't gauge the quantities for 40 plus people. There was enough pasta to take care of many lunches, etc for the rest of the reunion.
Hawaiian Night......fried rice, spam musibi (sp.), teriyaki chicken, pineapple upside down cake.....and on and on. Great food and much more reasonable quantities. It was great to see a line of hungry Welch's waiting to chow down on super food.
Mexican night.......taco's, salsa, queso, guacamole.....everything your heart (and stomach) could ask for.......amazing food!!!!!!
If Starbucks was a food group this would be a hit for many in our family.....Starbucks runs were made daily.....
Now let's talk about antics......
There was boating, jet skiing, paddle boats, wake boarding and water skiing.
There were duets sung by Donna and George.
We have a lovely rendition of "Jesus loves Me" by Makenzie. In fact, she sang it with more feeling each time we applauded.....
And last but not least was the dancing sausage........if you didn't see it happen or the video..... you missed something that is difficult to describe.......I have never seen such creativity or insanity over a link of Italian sausage........someday when there is a family reunion years from now.......our descendants will wonder what kind of lunatics this group was.........but they will be able to tell we sure knew how to have fun!!!!
FIREBALL........I felt that word needed to be in cap's........
The 2nd's as they were called didn't bond the second they met BUT once the noise from the 1st's and the elders got to a decibel level the 2nd's couldn't take they retreated to the bottom level of the house. There they partook in the drink FIREBALL.....and drink they did.......Paul's Supermarket became very popular with the younger set. If Paul had nothing in his store but FIREBALL and Ruffles Loaded Baked Potato Chips.....he would have sold out in 5 days. It is safe to say at least 2 bottles of Fireball were consumed a day. Chris became best friends with the cashier named Candy....she shared her dance moves with him.....she said she was glad he came to visit.
Oh and the 2nd's also set up a basement speed trap.....if any of the elders or 1st's dared to go down those stairs.....they had to drink a shot (or a capful in Auntie Dorothy's case)......also if you didn't go down stairs to the speed trap it came to you....nothing like having a bunch of 2nd's bringing you a bottle and yelling drink.....
The good part was since all of the consumption took place straight from the bottle .....there was no rush to buy red solo cups at Paul's.
I did hear that since we left Paul was stuck with cases of Fireball since he purchased not knowing all of his sales were to one crazy family.
THE HARD PART........
Each of us in our own way kept reminding ourselves our time was running out. The 5 precious days together were coming to and end.
The last entry will cover.....Mom's last trip, photo's and goodbyes.......
Monday, August 12, 2013
Sunday, August 4, 2013
The Reunion.....Part 1.....Getting There.......
Many times I have seen people wearing reunion t-shirts. I never really thought about the people behind the shirts. I never thought about the miles traveled. I never thought about the reunion experience at all......
Now after 5 memorable days at Osage Beach (Land of the Ozarks), Missouri......I get it. I understand the planning, the expenses, the distances traveled and how worth it was going through every state and mile traveled to and from the Welch Ohana Reunion.
Travel and Arrivals.....
The planning stage started over 1 year ago....and our fearless leader was my cousin, Pat. Pat found the location, found the main house, with help from his daughter designed the t-shirt, was the treasurer and all he and his wife April wanted in return.......for everyone to have a good time.
Jenn and I left on Monday at noon.......four hours behind schedule due to a banking issue that needed to be resolved.
Through the day we traveled from state to state. I even let Jenn drive for a couple of hours and for those of you who know me well I am a control freak so giving up the drivers seat was big thing for both of us (Jenn thanks Uncle John for giving me the gentle nudge to let J drive). We kept in touch with various family members. Around 9 PM, I talked to cousin Pat. He and his family had arrived at the reunion site late in the afternoon. I told him Jenn and I would be stopping in Arkansas for the night. First we hit Memphis and I have to say driving through there at night was a little unnerving......it wasn't a highway but we were driving through town. Jenn could sense my nervousness. She then made a suggestion that a few years ago I wouldn't have believed I would hear from her......"Mom, I am going to put my gun next to us on the seat." I agreed it was a good idea. Before we knew it we were in Arkansas......
Jenn called and called a variety of hotels that only had expensive rooms to offer. We both agreed that since it was close to mid-night we would just keep driving and not bother to stop. I have to say there were stretches where I thought....what the hell are we doing driving in the middle of the night to someplace we have never been.
At 4:30, Missouri time (5:30 SC time), we pulled into Peterson's Point and our destination. There was no way I was waking anyone up at that hour so I told Jenn we would just sleep in the car until a decent hours and then ring the bell. I tried to sleep.......about an hour later, Jenn said she had to go to the bathroom.......me being just slightly tired at this point suggested she go behind the car......you can only imagine the look I got from her. Then I said....."I have the code for the garage." The look on her face said it all as she said is a somewhat annoyed tone...."you have had the garage code and I have been sitting in this car for an hour?" I gave her the code and in she went. My cousin Pat had been asleep on the couch. Jenn's entrance work him up and the reunion began.
Over the next few days people arrived in groups or as individuals......each was greeted like Norm entering CHEERS. There were hello's and hugs and in some cases introductions. Cousin Michele who said she couldn't make it showed up .......some of her siblings didn't even know she was making the trip until their caravan gathered in Colorado. The largest cheer was for my older brother, George.....he was also not expected to be there. He rode 1400 miles on his motorcycle to spend a little more than 48 hours with his Ohana.
During the next 5 days there was not one waking hour when I wasn't hugged or kissed or told I love you. It wasn't just me but every one of the 40 plus people that traveled from Florida, Maryland, South Carolina, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado share the true experience of love.
The next chapter.......food, antics and Fireball (thanks to the 2nd generation)........
Now after 5 memorable days at Osage Beach (Land of the Ozarks), Missouri......I get it. I understand the planning, the expenses, the distances traveled and how worth it was going through every state and mile traveled to and from the Welch Ohana Reunion.
Travel and Arrivals.....
The planning stage started over 1 year ago....and our fearless leader was my cousin, Pat. Pat found the location, found the main house, with help from his daughter designed the t-shirt, was the treasurer and all he and his wife April wanted in return.......for everyone to have a good time.
Jenn and I left on Monday at noon.......four hours behind schedule due to a banking issue that needed to be resolved.
Through the day we traveled from state to state. I even let Jenn drive for a couple of hours and for those of you who know me well I am a control freak so giving up the drivers seat was big thing for both of us (Jenn thanks Uncle John for giving me the gentle nudge to let J drive). We kept in touch with various family members. Around 9 PM, I talked to cousin Pat. He and his family had arrived at the reunion site late in the afternoon. I told him Jenn and I would be stopping in Arkansas for the night. First we hit Memphis and I have to say driving through there at night was a little unnerving......it wasn't a highway but we were driving through town. Jenn could sense my nervousness. She then made a suggestion that a few years ago I wouldn't have believed I would hear from her......"Mom, I am going to put my gun next to us on the seat." I agreed it was a good idea. Before we knew it we were in Arkansas......
Jenn called and called a variety of hotels that only had expensive rooms to offer. We both agreed that since it was close to mid-night we would just keep driving and not bother to stop. I have to say there were stretches where I thought....what the hell are we doing driving in the middle of the night to someplace we have never been.
At 4:30, Missouri time (5:30 SC time), we pulled into Peterson's Point and our destination. There was no way I was waking anyone up at that hour so I told Jenn we would just sleep in the car until a decent hours and then ring the bell. I tried to sleep.......about an hour later, Jenn said she had to go to the bathroom.......me being just slightly tired at this point suggested she go behind the car......you can only imagine the look I got from her. Then I said....."I have the code for the garage." The look on her face said it all as she said is a somewhat annoyed tone...."you have had the garage code and I have been sitting in this car for an hour?" I gave her the code and in she went. My cousin Pat had been asleep on the couch. Jenn's entrance work him up and the reunion began.
Over the next few days people arrived in groups or as individuals......each was greeted like Norm entering CHEERS. There were hello's and hugs and in some cases introductions. Cousin Michele who said she couldn't make it showed up .......some of her siblings didn't even know she was making the trip until their caravan gathered in Colorado. The largest cheer was for my older brother, George.....he was also not expected to be there. He rode 1400 miles on his motorcycle to spend a little more than 48 hours with his Ohana.
During the next 5 days there was not one waking hour when I wasn't hugged or kissed or told I love you. It wasn't just me but every one of the 40 plus people that traveled from Florida, Maryland, South Carolina, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado share the true experience of love.
The next chapter.......food, antics and Fireball (thanks to the 2nd generation)........
Saturday, July 27, 2013
I Have Seen The Face of Courage and Her Name Is Gina.....
I had planned on my first blog entry after my trip to see my Ohana (that means family for those not fluent in Hawaiian) in Missouri to be about the 5 day love fest I experienced. I will still write about that life changing event but something more important needs to be written now.......
When I read about my dear cousin's PET scan findings, I needed time to process and think about what I would say to her if we were in person or through this entry. I spent last night searching for the right words of comfort, encouragement and support. I struggled....
Many of our Ohana were quick to write wonderful words of prayer, hope and love. And still I struggled......my brother, George, said what I was feeling..."I feel lost and don't know what to do".
Well after thinking about it all night here are my thoughts (some of which have already been said by others).....
Gina you are the most amazing, courageous and strong person I have ever met!!!!! I love that you said cancer does not own your mind......it sure as hell doesn't!!! Seeing you in the Frat house last week and the way you celebrated our time together was not only incredible but also one heck of a good time!!!
You are a survivor in every sense of the word.......the mental battle you face every day, your faith in God and your ability to smile, and hug and love makes you an inspiration to me and all who know you.
I have spent the last 4 years living with a victim of cancer. It has taken a toll on relationships and lives. Jenn and I watched you in awe last week and both said "too bad Bob didn't fight the mental battle with a quarter of the energy you use each day."
You know that all of your Ohana is there with you, wrapping their arms around you, praying with you and telling you they love you. The miles that separate us are only that......miles. But our hearts are together as one. We are with you each second of every day ready to walk with you all the steps of your journey.
You have looked cancer in the eye and said "You don't control me!!!!" You have a joy that you share with others and it is contagious. Your smile makes others smile. Your strength makes others strong.
There are things that happen in everyday life that we complain about.....whether it be an ache or a pain, a car repair bill or a spouse who just doesn't get it. We tend to get wrapped up in the me of life. You on the other hand have not made this about you when you had every right to......not once have I heard you say why me??
I am so proud of you......you are someone I look up to.......you are the kind of person I want to be......you have taught us all. That's pretty great....to be a teacher.
I want to thank you for your amazing attitude. You have my prayers, my love and my belief that you will win this battle.
Yes, I have seen the face of courage and Gina the face of courage is you!!!!
When I read about my dear cousin's PET scan findings, I needed time to process and think about what I would say to her if we were in person or through this entry. I spent last night searching for the right words of comfort, encouragement and support. I struggled....
Many of our Ohana were quick to write wonderful words of prayer, hope and love. And still I struggled......my brother, George, said what I was feeling..."I feel lost and don't know what to do".
Well after thinking about it all night here are my thoughts (some of which have already been said by others).....
Gina you are the most amazing, courageous and strong person I have ever met!!!!! I love that you said cancer does not own your mind......it sure as hell doesn't!!! Seeing you in the Frat house last week and the way you celebrated our time together was not only incredible but also one heck of a good time!!!
You are a survivor in every sense of the word.......the mental battle you face every day, your faith in God and your ability to smile, and hug and love makes you an inspiration to me and all who know you.
I have spent the last 4 years living with a victim of cancer. It has taken a toll on relationships and lives. Jenn and I watched you in awe last week and both said "too bad Bob didn't fight the mental battle with a quarter of the energy you use each day."
You know that all of your Ohana is there with you, wrapping their arms around you, praying with you and telling you they love you. The miles that separate us are only that......miles. But our hearts are together as one. We are with you each second of every day ready to walk with you all the steps of your journey.
You have looked cancer in the eye and said "You don't control me!!!!" You have a joy that you share with others and it is contagious. Your smile makes others smile. Your strength makes others strong.
There are things that happen in everyday life that we complain about.....whether it be an ache or a pain, a car repair bill or a spouse who just doesn't get it. We tend to get wrapped up in the me of life. You on the other hand have not made this about you when you had every right to......not once have I heard you say why me??
I am so proud of you......you are someone I look up to.......you are the kind of person I want to be......you have taught us all. That's pretty great....to be a teacher.
I want to thank you for your amazing attitude. You have my prayers, my love and my belief that you will win this battle.
Yes, I have seen the face of courage and Gina the face of courage is you!!!!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Fear Part Two........
Yes, this is another entry about fear.....part due to the responses I received from last weeks entry and part due to some changes I am going to try to or will be making.
First the feedback......
I am never quite sure what entry might make an impact on those who read this blog. Last week was one of those entries that was responded to by a lot of you. Here is a sample of the responses...
you need to write more.......you should have included that you have trouble making decisions........you are saying what I feel.......you have the knack for writing.......I wanted to read more.......we are all here cheering for you as you try new things.......thanks for you honesty and you may think you fear things but how many people put their fears, feelings and emotions right out there for all to see and read. I consider that brave......
To address these responses, here I go......
I have never thought of myself as brave. But maybe my friend is right......it is not always easy to share personal things about myself especially since most of the things I write about exist in my head.
I so appreciate the friends who say they will cheer me on as I try new things.
The friend who said I should have included more about my indecision.....maybe you are right. I do sit on the fence until I either am forced to make a decision, or decided to stall a decision or take the easy way out. Just call me Humpty Dumpty......I only hope when I fall off the wall this friend will be among those who will help to put me together again.
The encouragement to write more.......as you all know I don't compliment myself easily. But one of the things I am sure of is that I write well. I have committed myself to one hour a week just to write and that does not include the time I devote to this blog. I have a zillion ideas in my head and have written some down. I think if I start to piece them together there might be a story out there. I am also going to start to get in touch with a few magazines and see if I can break into being published that way too.
Now the things I am willing to try or changes I am making.....
In a few weeks I will be starting a new job at TD. (once again I did need some guidance from friends to make the decision....see a pattern here??). I am going to be managing a new team. The easy way would have been to stay where I was since I know how to do my current job. But after much thought (my usual 24 hours to process things), I decided to jump into the deep end of the pool feet first. I think the change will be good.
I am promising myself that while at my family reunion I will be myself.....not the person I think I am supposed to be. I will try not to say NO to opportunities while in Missouri. OK I WILL NOT be hanging my fat ass off the back of my cousins boat trying to wake board......I said, I would try things I didn't say I was taking total leave of my senses....The main thing I want to do is have fun, share and hug people that I care about that I don't get to see too often.
When I return from that trip, I once again am recommitting myself to my journey to lose weight. Back to the gym on a regular basis, figuring out which plan to use for weight lose and trying the ones I think will work until I am successful. AND I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!!!
Time to write....a minimum of one hour a week.....whether it be an article or a book I am trying to put down on paper.
Yes, the fears are still there but I am trying to chase them away!!!! I hope the fears disappear with my weight loss and my self-confidence returns.
Thank you to all who continue to just read or comment and provide feedback. In your own way, you each show me how much you care about me.
Someday, I hope to be the person I want to be ......weighing less, less fearful, more confident and less self-conscious.......that's a tall order but I think it is one I can accomplish......you will just have to keep reading to see how this all turns out......it is a story to which I have not written the next chapter but the outline is there........I just have to devote the time needed to make it happen.....
Here is the start of the next chapter.......as Donna continued on the road to the life she wanted to live she looked around and realized she need to make decisions and move forward.......
Let's hope I can end with and she lived happily ever after........
First the feedback......
I am never quite sure what entry might make an impact on those who read this blog. Last week was one of those entries that was responded to by a lot of you. Here is a sample of the responses...
you need to write more.......you should have included that you have trouble making decisions........you are saying what I feel.......you have the knack for writing.......I wanted to read more.......we are all here cheering for you as you try new things.......thanks for you honesty and you may think you fear things but how many people put their fears, feelings and emotions right out there for all to see and read. I consider that brave......
To address these responses, here I go......
I have never thought of myself as brave. But maybe my friend is right......it is not always easy to share personal things about myself especially since most of the things I write about exist in my head.
I so appreciate the friends who say they will cheer me on as I try new things.
The friend who said I should have included more about my indecision.....maybe you are right. I do sit on the fence until I either am forced to make a decision, or decided to stall a decision or take the easy way out. Just call me Humpty Dumpty......I only hope when I fall off the wall this friend will be among those who will help to put me together again.
The encouragement to write more.......as you all know I don't compliment myself easily. But one of the things I am sure of is that I write well. I have committed myself to one hour a week just to write and that does not include the time I devote to this blog. I have a zillion ideas in my head and have written some down. I think if I start to piece them together there might be a story out there. I am also going to start to get in touch with a few magazines and see if I can break into being published that way too.
Now the things I am willing to try or changes I am making.....
In a few weeks I will be starting a new job at TD. (once again I did need some guidance from friends to make the decision....see a pattern here??). I am going to be managing a new team. The easy way would have been to stay where I was since I know how to do my current job. But after much thought (my usual 24 hours to process things), I decided to jump into the deep end of the pool feet first. I think the change will be good.
I am promising myself that while at my family reunion I will be myself.....not the person I think I am supposed to be. I will try not to say NO to opportunities while in Missouri. OK I WILL NOT be hanging my fat ass off the back of my cousins boat trying to wake board......I said, I would try things I didn't say I was taking total leave of my senses....The main thing I want to do is have fun, share and hug people that I care about that I don't get to see too often.
When I return from that trip, I once again am recommitting myself to my journey to lose weight. Back to the gym on a regular basis, figuring out which plan to use for weight lose and trying the ones I think will work until I am successful. AND I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!!!
Time to write....a minimum of one hour a week.....whether it be an article or a book I am trying to put down on paper.
Yes, the fears are still there but I am trying to chase them away!!!! I hope the fears disappear with my weight loss and my self-confidence returns.
Thank you to all who continue to just read or comment and provide feedback. In your own way, you each show me how much you care about me.
Someday, I hope to be the person I want to be ......weighing less, less fearful, more confident and less self-conscious.......that's a tall order but I think it is one I can accomplish......you will just have to keep reading to see how this all turns out......it is a story to which I have not written the next chapter but the outline is there........I just have to devote the time needed to make it happen.....
Here is the start of the next chapter.......as Donna continued on the road to the life she wanted to live she looked around and realized she need to make decisions and move forward.......
Let's hope I can end with and she lived happily ever after........
Sunday, June 30, 2013
How Do I Make Fear Stop Ruling My Life........
I have let fear make so many decisions for me.....
Fear of falling.....
Fear of standing out.....
Fear of unknown places....
Fear of dying.....
This has led to me being so cautious where I walk. It has led me to not trying to walk to places I would like to see. This has led me to limiting where I go. This has led me to missing some great adventures. This has lead me to missing out on life.
Fear of change.....
Fear of doing things alone......
Fear of flying.......
Fear of not completing my bucket list......
This has led me to staying in situations that need to change. This had led me to missing out on what I assume would be some great adventures. This may lead me to maybe never traveling to the places I have dreamt of :-( . If I let the fear take over how can I complete my bucket list.
I need to stop being afraid and start doing. I have a bucket list and I need to start checking off tasks. One problem is finding the time. When you work the hours I do.... finding the time to smell the roses is limited. Will the office close down if I leave work on time to hit the gym......probably not......but I am afraid of falling behind.......
Getting on a plane to travel places several times in the last 2 years has been a very big challenge for me. I did it but not without a lot of angst, stress and fear. UGH......
I want to write more.....once again the problem is.....finding the time.
I want , I want, I want........but how do I fix this part of me.....how do I go from planning everything and I mean everything to the nth degree????
How do I become impulsive when I am a control freak?????
What the hell in my life made me this way........is it only my weight???? Is that the killer of my self-confidence and the creator of my fears????
I really have to find some answers and do some soul searching........I need to change........I don't want to be the person always listening to others adventures, saying goodbye to others as they go off carefree.........I want to be the writer, the traveler, the adventurer........
I just have to figure out how to start........how to take that first baby step........how to look my fears in the face and say "you are not stopping me anymore!!!"
The only problem is I am too afraid to.........
Fear of falling.....
Fear of standing out.....
Fear of unknown places....
Fear of dying.....
This has led to me being so cautious where I walk. It has led me to not trying to walk to places I would like to see. This has led me to limiting where I go. This has led me to missing some great adventures. This has lead me to missing out on life.
Fear of change.....
Fear of doing things alone......
Fear of flying.......
Fear of not completing my bucket list......
This has led me to staying in situations that need to change. This had led me to missing out on what I assume would be some great adventures. This may lead me to maybe never traveling to the places I have dreamt of :-( . If I let the fear take over how can I complete my bucket list.
I need to stop being afraid and start doing. I have a bucket list and I need to start checking off tasks. One problem is finding the time. When you work the hours I do.... finding the time to smell the roses is limited. Will the office close down if I leave work on time to hit the gym......probably not......but I am afraid of falling behind.......
Getting on a plane to travel places several times in the last 2 years has been a very big challenge for me. I did it but not without a lot of angst, stress and fear. UGH......
I want to write more.....once again the problem is.....finding the time.
I want , I want, I want........but how do I fix this part of me.....how do I go from planning everything and I mean everything to the nth degree????
How do I become impulsive when I am a control freak?????
What the hell in my life made me this way........is it only my weight???? Is that the killer of my self-confidence and the creator of my fears????
I really have to find some answers and do some soul searching........I need to change........I don't want to be the person always listening to others adventures, saying goodbye to others as they go off carefree.........I want to be the writer, the traveler, the adventurer........
I just have to figure out how to start........how to take that first baby step........how to look my fears in the face and say "you are not stopping me anymore!!!"
The only problem is I am too afraid to.........
Sunday, June 16, 2013
I Had A Dad .....that's different from a Father......
We have all heard the saying "Anyone can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a Dad". I was lucky I had a Dad.
My Dad could silence a table with "the look".
He only hit me 2 times in my life.....once when I was about 5 and went around the corner without permission (considering it was the Bronx and they had no idea where I was the spanking I got was justified) and the other time I was 16 and decided to invite about 40 of my closest friends to a party while my parents were out and I was babysitting. Dad came home to change his shirt (thanks Mom for washing clothes right after fiberglass curtains) and found teenagers pouring out of doors and windows. Yes, he hit me and I deserved it. He changed and went back to meet my mother. He called about an hour later to apologize for losing his temper. He was not a physical person so this went way against his grain.
He took us cross country in a station wagon.
He took me to a Father Daughter Dance.
He loved his family, good food (sometimes the food took first position) and the holidays.
We had Christmas's that were not to be believed.....from the special Christmas Eve dinner he prepared himself to gifts that were over the top. He loved to decorate the house for Christmas and made you believe in the "magic".
He had a bar built in our den and he loved sitting behind it serving drinks and holding court with who ever wanted to join him. The conversation would move topic to topic usually the topic was determined by Dad.
He loved poetry. I found some of the poems he used to recite to us and have them saved on my computer.
He loved Pavarotti and country music.
He could do a good Lindy or Savoy and my Mom was pretty good at following him.
He was patriotic and loved being a politician.
He had a great laugh when you could get him to laugh.
He loved the Yankees and the NY Giants.
He loved Italy and Hawaii.
He could be tough and also compassionate,
He loved his Corvette (his dream car).
He loved Martini's.
He loved being a lawyer.
He loved being at home , reading a book and falling asleep in front of the fireplace.
He loved his children and his grandchildren.
He loved my Mom.
And yes I can say he loved me.
He left us at 51. Hard to believe I have lived longer than he did.
His final lesson was teaching us how to face a tough enemy....Cancer.....and how to fight and how to die.
Happy Father's Day Dad......I miss you every day........
My Dad could silence a table with "the look".
He only hit me 2 times in my life.....once when I was about 5 and went around the corner without permission (considering it was the Bronx and they had no idea where I was the spanking I got was justified) and the other time I was 16 and decided to invite about 40 of my closest friends to a party while my parents were out and I was babysitting. Dad came home to change his shirt (thanks Mom for washing clothes right after fiberglass curtains) and found teenagers pouring out of doors and windows. Yes, he hit me and I deserved it. He changed and went back to meet my mother. He called about an hour later to apologize for losing his temper. He was not a physical person so this went way against his grain.
He took us cross country in a station wagon.
He took me to a Father Daughter Dance.
He loved his family, good food (sometimes the food took first position) and the holidays.
We had Christmas's that were not to be believed.....from the special Christmas Eve dinner he prepared himself to gifts that were over the top. He loved to decorate the house for Christmas and made you believe in the "magic".
He had a bar built in our den and he loved sitting behind it serving drinks and holding court with who ever wanted to join him. The conversation would move topic to topic usually the topic was determined by Dad.
He loved poetry. I found some of the poems he used to recite to us and have them saved on my computer.
He loved Pavarotti and country music.
He could do a good Lindy or Savoy and my Mom was pretty good at following him.
He was patriotic and loved being a politician.
He had a great laugh when you could get him to laugh.
He loved the Yankees and the NY Giants.
He loved Italy and Hawaii.
He could be tough and also compassionate,
He loved his Corvette (his dream car).
He loved Martini's.
He loved being a lawyer.
He loved being at home , reading a book and falling asleep in front of the fireplace.
He loved his children and his grandchildren.
He loved my Mom.
And yes I can say he loved me.
He left us at 51. Hard to believe I have lived longer than he did.
His final lesson was teaching us how to face a tough enemy....Cancer.....and how to fight and how to die.
Happy Father's Day Dad......I miss you every day........
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Beaches.....(not the movie).....
I love the beach. The sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean and the feeling of the sun soaking into my skin. Yes, I use sun screen!!!!!
My first exposure to the beach was Orchard Beach in the Bronx. Mom and Dad packing up us kids early on a Sunday morning along with towels, blankets, cooler and food for the day. Playing in the water for hours. Building sand castles. Your feet getting hot walking on the sand and Mom wrapping a towel around you to change before heading home.
As a teenager, it was the Jersey Shore. Two glorious weeks each summer at the shore. Mornings Dad would do some surf cast fishing. Usually, Dad would be heading back to the house right around the time the rest of us were walking up to the beach. Dad was not a fan of sitting in the sun. Or maybe he was just smart, his timing meant he had all day by himself to sit by the bay and read in peace and quiet. I was an admitted sun worshipper..... a bottle of Sun In (which turned my hair orange)in one hand and a bottle of baby oil and iodine in the other.....what was I thinking???
Later on I was lucky enough to spend time on beaches in California with my Mom's family, Bermuda with college friends for spring break, the Hawaiian islands (4 of them) and last summer Barbados.
I have watched the sun rise while traveling with some girlfriends to Virginia Beach and also at Ocean City Maryland when Jenn was small.
Most recently, I have friends who have opened their beach house to their friends. What is better than watching the tide rise on the salt marshes? or seeing more stars in the night than you thought were possible? or sitting on a bench at the top of a walkway to the beach reading a book, listening to an IPOD and people watching. How about going to the beach at high tide and walking down the stairs to the beach and putting your feet in the surprisingly warm water and then laughing as you try not to slip off the step into the water.
When I retire....which isn't that far off.....10 years or so.......I will find a way to move there.
I find my happiness at the beach..... I find my soul listening to the ocean....... I am at peace when I hear the sound of the waves and smell the ocean in the breeze..........
My first exposure to the beach was Orchard Beach in the Bronx. Mom and Dad packing up us kids early on a Sunday morning along with towels, blankets, cooler and food for the day. Playing in the water for hours. Building sand castles. Your feet getting hot walking on the sand and Mom wrapping a towel around you to change before heading home.
As a teenager, it was the Jersey Shore. Two glorious weeks each summer at the shore. Mornings Dad would do some surf cast fishing. Usually, Dad would be heading back to the house right around the time the rest of us were walking up to the beach. Dad was not a fan of sitting in the sun. Or maybe he was just smart, his timing meant he had all day by himself to sit by the bay and read in peace and quiet. I was an admitted sun worshipper..... a bottle of Sun In (which turned my hair orange)in one hand and a bottle of baby oil and iodine in the other.....what was I thinking???
Later on I was lucky enough to spend time on beaches in California with my Mom's family, Bermuda with college friends for spring break, the Hawaiian islands (4 of them) and last summer Barbados.
I have watched the sun rise while traveling with some girlfriends to Virginia Beach and also at Ocean City Maryland when Jenn was small.
Most recently, I have friends who have opened their beach house to their friends. What is better than watching the tide rise on the salt marshes? or seeing more stars in the night than you thought were possible? or sitting on a bench at the top of a walkway to the beach reading a book, listening to an IPOD and people watching. How about going to the beach at high tide and walking down the stairs to the beach and putting your feet in the surprisingly warm water and then laughing as you try not to slip off the step into the water.
When I retire....which isn't that far off.....10 years or so.......I will find a way to move there.
I find my happiness at the beach..... I find my soul listening to the ocean....... I am at peace when I hear the sound of the waves and smell the ocean in the breeze..........
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